The Fall of a Giant: Guangzhou Evergrande and the uncertain future of Chinese Football
China’s aspiring plan to transform its domestic football league into a global powerhouse, often likened to the NBA, has hit a major roadblock. While the vision of President Xi Jinping, who aimed to make China a footballing force by 2050, remains, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The once-dominant Guangzhou Evergrande,a club synonymous with success,having secured eight league titles and two Asian Champions League trophies between 2011 and 2017,now finds itself relegated to the second division. This dramatic fall from grace mirrors the struggles of the Chinese economy, notably the real estate sector, which has been grappling with a notable downturn.
Evergrande Real Estate Group, the club’s main shareholder, faced a staggering debt of $300 billion, leading to the abandonment of ambitious projects, including an 80,000-seater stadium. This financial crisis directly impacted the club, forcing it to relinquish its place among China’s elite football clubs.
The Chinese Football Federation,in an attempt to curb excessive spending and promote financial stability,implemented strict regulations on player salaries and transfer fees. These measures, while necessary, further exacerbated Guangzhou Evergrande’s predicament, ultimately leading to its exclusion from the 2025 professional leagues.The club’s demise serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of China’s footballing ambitions. While the government’s commitment to developing the sport remains, the current economic climate and the need for sustainable financial practices pose significant challenges.
The story of Darío conca, an argentine footballer who enjoyed immense success during Guangzhou Evergrande’s golden era, highlights the club’s meteoric rise and subsequent fall. Conca, who commanded a salary comparable to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the time, became a symbol of the club’s financial prowess.
However, his experience also sheds light on the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of long-term planning. Conca’s reflections on his time in China reveal a complex mix of pride, discomfort, and ultimately, a sense of gratitude for the opportunities he was afforded.
The future of Chinese football remains uncertain. while the government’s vision persists, the challenges faced by Guangzhou Evergrande underscore the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to advancement. Only time will tell if China can overcome these obstacles and achieve its goal of becoming a global footballing superpower.
The Rise and Fall of Chinese Football’s spending Spree
The early 2010s witnessed a remarkable surge in spending by Chinese football clubs, fueled by ambitious goals and a desire to elevate the sport’s profile on the global stage. This era,marked by record-breaking transfers and the arrival of high-profile players and coaches,ultimately proved unsustainable,leading to a dramatic downturn.
Guangzhou Evergrande, spearheaded by the visionary Evergrande Group, emerged as a key player in this financial revolution. The club’s acquisition of Colombian striker Jackson Martinez from Atlético de Madrid for a staggering €46 million in 2016 set a new benchmark for Chinese football. This spending spree continued with the signings of Lucas Barrios (€8.5 million from Borussia Dortmund), Paulinho (€14 million from Tottenham Hotspur, later repurchased for €42 million from Barcelona), and the appointment of renowned managers like Marcello Lippi and Luiz Felipe Scolari.
While these investments initially generated excitement and raised the league’s international visibility, they came at a significant cost. According to football journalist Nahuel Lanzón, Guangzhou Evergrande was hemorrhaging €200 million annually, a deficit covered by the parent company before its own financial troubles emerged.
this period of extravagance coincided with a broader government initiative to promote Chinese football globally. The influx of stars like Carlos Tevez,who joined Shanghai Shenhua for a then-world record €38 million per season in 2017,further amplified the league’s profile. However, Tevez’s experience proved short-lived and ultimately disappointing, with the Argentine admitting to regretting his decision to move to china.
Other notable signings included Brazilian midfielder Oscar (€24 million to Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea), Javier Mascherano (€23 million to Hebei Fortune from Barcelona), and Ezequiel Lavezzi (€27.6 million annually to Hebei Fortune from Paris Saint-germain).
The bubble burst in 2019,triggered by a combination of factors. The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a year-long suspension of football, exacerbated the financial strain on clubs already grappling with mounting debts. The subsequent default of Evergrande Group, culminating in the arrest of its founder hui Ka Yan in 2023, sent shockwaves through the Chinese football landscape.
Guangzhou Evergrande, once a symbol of Chinese football’s ambition, was relegated to the second division in 2022. The Evergrande crisis had a domino effect,impacting the entire real estate sector and contributing to a 29% decline in China’s GDP,according to Lanzón.
The era of lavish spending has given way to a period of austerity and introspection. Chinese football is now focusing on developing homegrown talent in a nation with a vast population, aiming to build a sustainable future for the sport. The recent dissolution of Cangzhou Mighty Lions and Hunan Billows, both from the third division, underscores the ongoing challenges facing Chinese football as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its identity.## The Decline of Argentine Talent in Chinese Football: A Shift in Strategy
The chinese super League (CSL) has witnessed a notable absence of Argentine footballers in recent times. This shift marks a departure from a period when the league attracted renowned players from Argentina, contributing to its global profile.
The Chinese Football Federation (CFA) has acknowledged this change, framing it as a strategic move towards long-term sustainability.in a statement, the CFA emphasized the importance of “keeping the financial operation in a healthy state and investing in the youth with patience” as key pillars for a prosperous future for Chinese clubs. [1]
This new approach reflects a growing awareness of the financial challenges that plagued the CSL in the past. Overspending on high-profile foreign players led to instability and unsustainable financial models for many clubs. By prioritizing youth development and fiscal responsibility, the CFA aims to cultivate a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem for Chinese football.
While the absence of Argentine stars might potentially be noticeable, the CSL’s focus on nurturing homegrown talent could ultimately lead to a stronger and more competitive league in the long run. This strategic shift aligns with global trends in football, where many leagues are increasingly prioritizing youth academies and domestic talent development.
